Blair converts to Catholicism

Former prime minister Tony Blair has converted to the Catholic church.

The long-expected announcement came shortly before Christmas on Saturday.

Blair's wife Cherie and children are all practising Catholics and he has been known to attend Catholic services for many years.

However the move was delayed while he was in power until this year due to his fears over mixing politics and religion.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the head of the Catholic church in England and Wales, led the induction service in Westminster on Friday.

He said: "I am very glad to welcome Tony Blair into the Catholic Church.

"For a long time he has been a regular worshipper at Mass with his family and in recent months he has been following a programme of formation to prepare for his reception into full communion.

"My prayers are with him, his wife and family at this joyful moment in their journey of faith together."

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams added that: "Tony Blair has my prayers and good wishes as he takes this step in his Christian pilgrimage."

Downing Street confirmed the former premier, now a Middle East peace envoy, had converted, but said it was a private matter and it would not comment further.